Gamifying a 5G Core to Create a Capture the Flag Cyber Security Training Environment

Fifth Generation cellular data systems (5G) are critical infrastructure with high security demands and complex architectures. Despite the importance of these systems, there is relatively little hands-on training available for 5G engineers and security practitioners. We propose to adapt a well-designed cyber security training game –Capture the Flag– to provide compelling, accessible hands-on 5G training. We present C5G (Capture the Flag 5G): a project developing 5G Capture the Flag by integrating open source 5G components into an open source Capture the Flag game engine. In C5G, players or teams race against each other and the clock to solve 5G hacking challenges on virtual 5G infrastructure.